Seed and Fertilizer Information

A farmers resource for seed

Seeding Flax to Provide the Best Start

Typically flax is seeded from May 1st to June 20th. It may be seeded the last out of all the crops as the bolls and seeds can stand and ripen in the fall without shelling while other crops such as canola are being harvested. Prolonged exposure to fall weather, though, will reduce the quality of the harvested seed and make it ineligible for a food grade market. MASC data shows flax has good yield potential in the last week of May (Table 3), but yields decline in some areas as the calendar turns to June. MASC seeding deadlines are June 20th for all of Manitoba.

Getting the flax out of ground with an even good stand will help later for weed control and consistent maturity.

Target ½ – ¾ inch deeding depth to allow crop to emerge quickly

Don’t over fertilize, flax does not respond to higher rates of fertilizer. Excess nitrogen will cause prolonged maturity and potential lodging issues.

Target a higher seeding rate. Flax depends very heavily on adequate stand establishment and plant populations for good weed competition. Target a seeding rate of 40-45 lbs/ac to achieve a target population of 40-56 plants/ft2. Typical emergence for flax is 50% to 60%. Seeding rates on the high end of the recommended seeding range should be used for ground prone to crusting, when seeding late or under heavy weed pressure.

Fertilizer Recommendations for Flax

For specific recommendations on fertilizer rates, have your soil tested. Flax is easily injured by seed placed fertilizer. All fertilizer should be applied away from the seed.

If soil analysis is not available, a general recommendation is as follows: